Emma & Malcom Peabody

Chatper 20: What is essential is invisible to the eye

-WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THAT HE DIES?-screamed Malcom completely mad at Emma getting into her room, the book on his hands

The girl was reading a science book, but she stopped it to face her brother.-So, you did finish it, huh?-

-HE DIES!-He screamed angrily.-A story can't finish like that! The Little Prince wasn't supposed to die!-he said really angrily

-First of all, calm down! I'm not agreeing to people who spoil books... I wasn't going to tell you the ending... and second, why does it matter? I thought you weren't going to like it...-

-I...-he stood there. She got a point and he didn't even need to think about it. Yes, he was starting to like it until he died.-I did... but now I hate it!-

-You can't hate a book because of that!-

-Sure I can!-

-Malcom! It was only a book and... The author wasn't really clear about his death-

-What do you mean?-

-Well... the narrator says that he saw him die, but the next day, his corpse was gone. So, he may be alive, haven't you thought about that possibility?-

-Gone?-he asked a bit shocked and ashamed

-You haven't read the last page, right?-

-Well... I... No! I got really angry...-

She went closer to him and took the book.-See?-she said pointing at the part in which it was said that

-Oh... well, anyway, he's probably dead-he commented

-So? We aren't immortals yet. Die is a part of life-

Malcom looked down at his book again and read the last page.

"Here, then, is a great mystery. For you who also love the little prince, and for me, nothing in the universe can be the same if somewhere, we do not know where, a sheep that we never saw has-yes or no?-eaten a rose . . .

Look up at the sky. Ask yourselves: is it yes or no? Has the sheep eaten the flower? And you will see how everything changes . . .

And no grown-up will ever understand that this is a matter of so much importance!"

-I still don't understand why the author couldn't just write if he died or not-said the kid once again looking at her sister

-Well... life I think he wanted to give us hope... that is one of the few good things that exist in this world-the blonde girl decided

-It's too complicated-he said sitting on the floor and touching his head

-Decide if he's dead?-

-No, reading a book!-

With that, Emma laughed really hard.-You really should get used to it, Mal!-

-Anyway, you should pay me $20!-

The girl rolled her eyes and opened drawer that was on her night table.-Here you have, your prize-she extended the money to her brother but before he could take the bills, she put it away.-Admit it: you liked it?-

He glared at her.-Ok, I confess it: it wasn't as bad as I thought-he said with a shy smile

-That's what I thought-she gave him the money back, but this time, he refused it

-As I liked it, you can keep it-he decided.-But only for this time, just to let you know that I never, EVER lost a bet-

-Well, next time I'll bet you won't get an A on your test, to see if you study-

He smiled and nodded his head.-You're starting to know me, huh?-

-What is essential is invisible to the eye, right?-

-Yeah, it is-

Sherman was extremely focused on his floating skateboard. He had been more than two years working on it and it was almost ready. It only needed a big test drive... well, another one, taking in account that Malcom used it a few weeks ago. He made a quick look to his watch and then looked at his invention again. He had some minutes left to do it, but it wouldn't be enough time.

The red-headed man sighed and walked out of his house's room almost protesting.

-Uh, there you are!-exclaimed his wife behind him.-Your assistant called you from work, he said that you were late and... Oh, don't be so negative again-she glared at him.-What did he mean?-

-Yeah, such a funny story...-he rubbed his neck with his right hand.-The thing is that my assistant has to move to another country and I need a new assistant... but, well, I didn't find any assistant, I can only find secretaries and they are completely useless!-

-How exigent-she rolled her eyes.-It's a secretary, Sherman! You don't even need them anyway-

-I opined the same but my father wasn't so agree with that, he says that I have enough work and I will end up stressed. Also, he said that "as the next Peabody's industries manager, I need to find the best secretary to organize everything and without any mistake"-he said imitating Mr. Peabody's voice

Penny couldn't avoid laugh a bit.-You're already stressed with this, aren't you?-

-A bit, I guess. But he has a point there, if I can't choose the correct secretary, how come would I even make decisions at the company?-

The blonde girl sighed.-Good luck then-she said kissing his lips.-And, don't hire any hot secretary, huh!-

He only smiled back and went to the garage. Being the next Peabody's industries was what his father had always wanted... but he wasn't really sure if he wanted that. He loved his actual job and he'd prefer to stay just like he was: like a scientist/inventor. But he knew that if he did that, his father would be really disappointed.

-I hate school. I really do... but only for today, I think I'll survive-said Malcom sitting next to Emma

-Why?-his sister asked confused and a bit annoyed

-Valentine's cards! Don't you remember?-

-How could I forget about that super special day?-he said in the most sarcastic tone that she could do

-You're really boring, you know that?-

She rolled her eyes in response.

-Em, why don't you trust that someone will give you a Valentine's card?-

-Malcom, I know that I'm not the kind of girl who is popular and pretty-she finally said looking down.-I would never be it. So, just stop trying to cheer me up. It won't work today-she finally decided sitting on her chair without saying another word

The red-headed kid sighed and went to his seat too. He had been trying to make Emma think that Valentine's Day wasn't really horrible as she thought, but he was failing. Really failing. If she had only a crush on someone who liked her back, she'd feel a bit of hope on this day.

He wide opened his eyes realizing that there may be actually someone.

He turned around to face John.-Do you remember the Emma's secret admirer operation?-he asked smirking

-Mmm... Yes-

-Well, it'll start today!-

-WHAT?-

-Yeah, what is a better Valentine day's gift than giving her someone who likes her?-

-I don't know, Mal. What if he isn't what she expects?-

-In that case, at least she'll know the truth. I bet she's dying to know who he is... I'm actually a bit curious about it too-

-You're curious about what?-asked a female voice behind them.-What are you two planning now?-Jessica smiled at John.-Hi, John-she said fiddling with her hair

-Yeah, hi-he said looking at another side making she glare at his attitude

-So...-she continued putting herself in front of John's face so he'll look at her.-Who will be your Valentine?-

-No one yet... Malcom and I are going to make pranks cards-he explained with a bit smile

-Uh?-asked his friend confused

-Yeah, it was your idea, to make this Valentine a bit interesting!-he said winking his eye and with an extremely nervous laugh, asking for help.

-Uh... Yeah! These corny girls are receiving their biggest surprise ever!-he laughed

-Oh... alright-she said disappointed walking to the back part of the classroom, going to her seat.

"So, the nerd has a secret admirer, huh?" thought Jessica smiling in an evil way. "What a shame she doesn't know who he is... perhaps I can fix that... and also get revenge".

-Puff!-John sighed relieved. Jessica had obviously a crush on him, but he didn't even like her as a friend! He will never like her back! She was a selfish, conceited witch that now had an obsession with him, but she will finish breaking up with him and start dating with another new guy. She didn't know what she wanted, perhaps because she didn't have a brain. And that wasn't the kind of girl he liked at all.

Malcom punched John's Arm.-You didn't tell me Jessica is completely in love with you!-

-In love? I'd call it an obsession-

-Whatever! She's pretty! Not bad for an eight-old, huh?-he laughed

John rolled his eyes.-Beauty is not everything, you know?-

-And what would you prefer? Emma?-he laughed

His friend stared at him completely pale but then started to laugh, getting that it had been only a joke.

-Oh, boy, you're so rare, bud!-continued Malcom

-Well, life is boring if you're just like the rest-

-Good morning, class-said the teacher getting into the classroom with a big smile.-I hope you're ready to start making the Valentine's cards!-She exclaimed enthusiastic.-But first, I must tell you something really important: as you know, every year there is a little Valentine's Day party... and this year our class is the one who is going to be in the party with the students from the last years of the elementary school-

-Yes!-screamed the students (all of them but Emma, of course)

-Now, let's start with the cards-she said clapping her hands together.-At the back part of the classroom there are little boxes ordinated alphabetically-she said pointing to them.-Once you finish your card, you just have to put it inside of one of those boxes. You have to do at least one card. And you can put your name on it if you want. So, please, start!-he said excited.-I'll pass through the desks and see how you are doing-

The kids took out all the things they'll need for their cards: color papers, glow, glue, stickers, color pencils, watercolors, etc. The best thing about that day was that they had only to do cards for fun, without having any mark, and that's the only thing they were willing to do in the next hours: just a card.

Emma sighed, knowing that she'll be bored for hours... she wasn't going to make a big effort on her card. First because it didn't have a mark, second because she was going to give it to Liam, and he was going to get thousands of cards, as well as her brother and John. She hated so much Valentine's Day! It was the only day in the year in which everyone liked to remind you that you had to fall in love. Movies, music, books, in every single thing there are love stories! As if you needed to feel love... she was perfectly fine being single! Also, she was too young for falling for someone. It was stupid that all her classmates thought that they felt love! Obviously, they only had a crush because loving someone is more complicated than that.

On the other side, Malcom smiled, knowing that he wasn't going to make a card for any of the girls in the classroom... his mind was now completely focused on Elizabeth. He was going to recover her trust, no matter how much it'll cost. Sure that doing a corny card wouldn't be enough... but that'd be something. Also, there's no girl in the world who doesn't like something romantic, even Emma did so.

-Good morning, Mr. Peabody-said a woman getting into Sherman's office

Sherman stopped looking at his computer and inspected the woman. She was around his same age, perhaps a bit younger. Her short dark hair had blonde extensions. She was also well-groomed, wearing a tight black medium-large skirt, a white shirt and high-heels. She was indeed pretty attractive for any man.

The red-headed man reminded Penny's joke and sighed. The last thing he needed now was to hire a hot secretary and his wife jealous.

-Good morning-said finally Sherman trying to sound as professional as he could, trying not to show his tiredness.-You can sit-

-Thanks-she walked slowly to his desk and sat on the chair

-Let's start with the basic stuff-he said more to himself than to her.-Can you introduce yourself, please?-

-Yes, sure. My name is Ally Edwards-she answered.-This is my curriculum-she said taking out a folder from her bag.-There I have all the information about my...-

-Yes, I know what a curriculum is for; thank you-he interrupted taking the folder from her hands. He made a quick look to the general information. She was six years younger than him, from Canada and, actually, she was quite young for all the jobs she had had: car's shop assistant, journalist for three different newspapers, and she also worked on a radio station for many years.

He stared at her.-I can notice that... you have never worked as a secretary... but, you have your degree here from six years ago... why do you want to work as a secretary now?-

-Well... When I got my degree at college, I had already started working as a journalist and I thought that job was the right for me but...-

-You were fired?-

-Yes, apparently, there are many promising young journalists that will be better than me-

-That's useless; everyone knows experience is really important-he said paying attention to her curriculum again

-And I am agree with that, but my ex-bosses not-

After reading her curriculum once again, this time a bit slower, he continued with the interview.

-If you had to choose an animal, which one would you choose?-

-Well... I think a dolphin-

-Why is that?-

-Because it is really smart and friendly at the same time-

-Good option-he smiled.-I remember that was my answer on my first job interview-

-Really?-she asked really surprised

-Yes, everyone expected me to say "dog"-he said pointing her with a finger, as saying "I know you thought that" but then he couldn't help laughing. He had got used to that "mental relation" that people did to him to the word "dog" or "adopted", he even saw it in a fun way now.

-Well... it was the obvious-Ally continued trying to do her best not to laugh

-Don't worry, even Penny was surprised when I told her... but, telling the truth, my father gave me an advice about that question long time ago. Perhaps if I hadn't know about it before, I would have said dog-

The dark-haired woman laughed but then shut up, she needed that job and she wasn't going to risk it for an interview. This wasn't her first interview; she had many experiences before, even though that was the first time that his boss was someone like Sherman.

-Well, continuing with the interview-said Sherman.-Tell me one good thing about you and a real bad thing about you-

-What do you mean with a "real bad thing"?-

-I mean that, I've been the whole day making interviews and I'm tired of good things disguised as bad things... tell me something really bad about you-

-Well... I...am... -she was about to say "too perfectionist" but that would be something good disguised as something bad.-I... I am too independent. I mean, I don't like working on teams or with another person, I really hate it-

-Ok, being independent is not too bad for a secretary... so I don't know if it is a bad thing. And what about the good thing?-

-I always try to do my best-

-Right...-he looked down at her curriculum and looked at her again. Her curriculum was impeccable: her school and college marks had been almost perfect, she had many jobs and written recommendations from her ex-bosses, she had a degree at literature, English and many computer programs like Excel or Word. The only problem with that woman was that she was too young and pretty for being his secretary. Knowing Penny as well as he did... she was going to be extremely jealous and he would have to fire her.

Unfortunately, Ally was the 42nd secretary he had interviewed, and she had been the best with no doubt. Why was it too hard to find an old creepy smart secretary?

-Look, Ally, I am sorry but...-he was interrupted by a knock on his office's door.-What now?-he muttered out loud.-You can pass!-he exclaimed

-So, Sherman? Have you found a secretary yet?-his father asked before seeing Ally.-Oh, is she your new secretary?-he asked extending his paw to her.-Nice to meet you, Mrs...-

-It's Ms.-she corrected.-Ms. Edwards-

-Only miss?-he asked turning to Sherman with a glare

-What?-he asked as if he didn't know why he was glaring at him.-She isn't my new secretary to begin, I'm still interviewing-

-Still? You have been interviewing for hours, Sherman-

-Yeah, I know the time, you know?-he answered almost immediately before remembering that he was in front of Ally. She was a bit confused at the situation, but she understood the family issues that the both probably had.-Ms. Edwards, could you please wait outside a minute before we continue with the interview?-

-Yes, Mr. Peabody-she answered walking out of the office

-So? What's your problem with the secretaries?-asked the genius dog folding his arms

-First of all, I wasn't going to hire Ms. Edwards, ok?-

-I never said that it was wrong to hire her-

-And why did you look at me like that when she said that she wasn't married?-

-Well, it was a bit surprising... I never expected you to have that kind of secretary-

-Kind?-

-Yes, you understand, a pretty one-

Sherman rolled his eyes.-You know that's the only problem she has?-he lent his father her curriculum. Mr. Peabody read it and wide opened his eyes.-But well, I'll keep looking-

-Hire her-his father said

-What?-

-Yes, she has an amazing curriculum and she isn't going to mud her name so easily... hire her-he walked out of the office

The ginger man sat on his chair, exhausted. He understood his father less each day.

Ally got into the office again.-Excuse me, but we haven't finished the interview yet-

-Yes, we have-he corrected making her look down disappointed. She knew that dog didn't like her at all!

-But why? I don't...-she tried to explain but her boss shut her up

-You got the job-

-You can't be serious-she exclaimed happily

-Trust me; I don't joke about those things. You start tomorrow at 9 a.m.-

Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed this new chapter! I actually decided to go over other kind of family themes moreover the brother-sister relationship (that's why this new OC called Ally appeared). I can't spoil anything about this secretary, but you can guess what will happen...

Also... Jessica is planning something against Emma and related to her secret admirer, will she guess who he is? And the biggest question is: who is her secret admirer?

Find out on the next chapter (and this time for sure, I promise that on the next chapter the secret admirer mystery will be over)!

Thanks for reading! And don't forget reviewing, this story hasn't received a review in a long time :'(

See you later!